Co-op Principle #1: Voluntary and Open Membership
Have you ever walked into a store and immediately felt like you belonged there? That sense of welcome is exactly what Voluntary and Open Membership is all about and it’s one of the most important principles behind how the Potsdam Food Co-op operates.
All food cooperatives follow 7 standard principles that were first created in 1995 by the International Cooperative Alliance to help co-ops stay true to their values: putting people, community, and fairness at the center of business. Later an 8th principle was created that is followed by most co-ops including us. Co-ops focus on serving their members and strengthening their communities instead of just focusing on profit like a traditional business. These values are more than just a list on the website, they are how we make all of our decisions and operate on a day to day and big picture level. The first value on the list is Voluntary and Open Membership.
At its core, this principle means that anyone can shop and/or become an owner of the co-op. There are no barriers based on background, identity, beliefs, or experience. Whether you’re a college student, a longtime St Lawrence County resident, or just someone passing through who cares about local food and community, you have a place here. The co-op is built on the idea that community should be inclusive, not exclusive, and welcomes anyone in the area to join.
But this principle goes beyond simply allowing people to sign up for a membership. It shapes the entire culture of the store. When you walk into the Potsdam Food Co-op, you’re not just another customer. You’re part of a shared space where everyone is treated with respect and openness. Staff and members work together to create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, learning about products, and connecting with others. We also offer a large selection of products for dietary restrictions.
In daily operations, this commitment shows up in a few important ways. Membership is always open and encouraged, but never required to shop. That means anyone can support local food and small producers, even if they’re not ready to become a member yet. At the same time, becoming a member is designed to be simple and accessible, so people who want to get more involved can easily do so. Membership is designed to be affordable, with options of $10 per year or a one-time fee of $100, making it accessible to a wide range of people. It is also easy to become a member by talking to an employee at the store or filling out the form online.
The co-op also strives to make participation meaningful for everyone. From community events to exclusive discounts, there are many ways for people to engage at their own comfort level. This flexibility helps ensure that the co-op remains a welcoming space for a wide range of individuals with different interests and needs. There are several discounts here at the Potsdam Food Co-op for owners. One of these is the Buying Club where owners can special order products from specific vendors and receive a discount on those purchases. Owners also receive special pricing on pre-orders such as Thanksgiving turkeys. Every Wednesday owners receive 10% off supplements and body care for Wellness Wednesday. Additionally, owners receive an additional 10% off of all Co-op Deal bi-weekly promotions. At the end of every quarter we also have an owner appreciation day which includes special discounts and perks to give back to our owners.
Ultimately, Voluntary and Open Membership is about more than just access. By keeping the doors open to everyone and fostering an inclusive environment, the Potsdam Food Co-op stays true to its mission of building a community centered business where people come first.
